Matthew 15:29-39

Matthew 15:29-39
In a previous incident, Jesus fed 5000 men, not including women and children. In this text, Matthew records that Jesus fed 4000 not including women and children. In each of these incidents we get a glimpse into the character of Jesus and a look at the thinking of His closest disciples.What is most impressive about Jesus is His compassion. His compassion is seen in the fact that He continually makes Himself available to the multitudes. He does not act like a super star or simply make occasional appearances to appease starry-eyed followers. Instead, He constantly connects with anyone who comes to Him, never lives above them, and always is ready to come to their aid when there is a serious need. Though Jesus did not come to the earth to provide physical bread, there were extenuating circumstances (as in this text) that if Jesus had ignored, would have indicated callousness on His part. Instead, Jesus recognized the sacrifices the multitudes had made in staying with Him in a desert place for three days without food. Jesus indicates the same kind of compassion for us. Peter states, “casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” While Jesus never promised that He would take away all the trials and difficulties we might encounter in life, He has promised that He will be with us and help us through those difficulties (Heb. 13:5-6).

Consider also the interest and perseverance of the multitudes. People today will often complain about a Bible study that goes more than an hour. But these people stayed with Jesus for three days without food hearing Him teach and learning from Him. Their hunger ought to challenge every person who quickly wearies of learning His word.

Finally, it is amazing that the disciples ask Jesus where they will get food for the multitude. Have they forgotten the 5000? But before we indict them we must realize how similar we are. The Lord provides for us every day and consistently brings us through the trials of life. But with every new challenge, we again wonder how we will get through it and from where our help will come.
Berry Kercheville